# Elvis Costello Almost Led Stephen Colbert's Late Show

> Elvis Costello revealed he once applied to be Stephen Colbert's Late Show bandleader.
- Title: Elvis Costello Almost Led Stephen Colbert's Late Show
- Summary: Elvis Costello revealed he once applied to be Stephen Colbert's Late Show bandleader. Elvis Costello said he submitted himself as Stephen Colbert's Late Show…
- Keywords: elvis costello, stephen colbert, late show, jon batiste, louis cato, the roots, music, culture, Elvis, Costello, Almost, Led
- Source: Stereogum — https://stereogum.com/2513706/elvis-costello-reveals-he-was-almost-stephen-colberts-late-show-bandleader/news
- Published: 2026-10-06T14:31:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: elvis costello, stephen colbert, late show, jon batiste, louis cato, the roots, music, culture
## Elvis Costello's Late Show Application
Elvis Costello appeared on Stephen Colbert's Late Show multiple times, including the series finale this past May.
## Costello's Bandleader Submission
Costello told Rolling Stone Music Now host Brian Hiatt he once submitted himself as Colbert's bandleader candidate in 2026.
## Costello's Impulsive Decision
Costello said he thought Colbert might have thought he was joking when he asked if he could be the bandleader.
## The Roots' Success Story
Costello got the idea after seeing The Roots succeed as Jimmy Fallon's band on Late Night and The Tonight Show.
## Costello's Reason for Quitting
Costello decided the logistics were too difficult because his bandmates would have to relocate and he lived in New York.
## Current Late Show Bandleaders
Jon Batiste held the Late Show bandleader role for seven years before leaving in 2022, followed by Louis Cato.
## Key takeaway

Elvis Costello said he submitted himself as Stephen Colbert's Late Show bandleader candidate in 2026 but decided logistics were too difficult.